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Big Squeeze

7,944 people screened in April 3,290 normal blood pressure 3,265 at risk 1,347 high risk 41 critically high risk

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More than half of Sioux Falls people screened through the city’s Big Squeeze campaign are at risk for high blood pressure, and while many of them know it, few are doing what they need to to address the health risk that is linked to stroke and heart failure.

“What we need is a big wake-up call,” said Amy Olson, Director of Corporate Health for Avera McKennan.

That’s what the Big Squeeze campaign aims to do. As part of the city’s Live Well initiative, almost 8,000 people were screened in April, triple the number from two years ago.

Results announced Thursday show that 59 percent of those had either “at-risk” or “high-risk” blood pressure readings.

Of those in the high-risk categories, about 60 percent had been told by their doctors that they have high blood pressure but had not gotten it under control.

Olson said some risk factors are hereditary, but the condition also is a product of a sedentary lifestyle with diets high in fat, carbohydrates and sodium.

Coupled with the reforms in health care, a greater focus on preventive care, such as routine blood pressure screenings, could curb the problem, Olson said.

Jill Franken, Sioux Falls Public Health director, knows the importance of taking care of your body. Diagnosed with hypertension at age 35, she said exercise, improved diet and medication all are part of keeping it under control.

“It’s something to pay attention to,” she said.

For next year’s Big Squeeze, Franken said there will be more screening locations and an added screening option to be announced at a later date.

Live Well aims to educate Sioux Falls people on how to live a healthier lifestyle through improved nutrition, increased physical activity, reduced tobacco use and by managing risk factors for disease.